Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あびる
あびる (abiru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
持って行く
もっていく (motte iku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あびる and 持って行く.
In Japanese, あびる (あびる (abiru)) is typically associated with "to take a shower/bath, to bask in" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for taking a shower/bath, or to be exposed to something like sunlight or criticism..
On the other hand, 持って行く (もっていく (motte iku)) maps to "to take (an object)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Specifically for taking objects somewhere. For people/animals, use 連れて行く. 物を自分の手で移動させる。. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あびる"
毎日シャワーを浴びます。
I take a shower every day.
Bilingual Context for "持って行く"
お弁当を持って会社に行きます。
I take my bento box to the office.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日シャワーを浴びます。" (Meaning: "I take a shower every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あびる" fits here because it means "to take a shower/bath, to bask in" in the context of: "I take a shower every day.". "持って行く" represents "to take (an object)".